IMESA

About IMESA

IMESA is the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa. It was established in 1961 and serves engineers who design, build and maintain the infrastructure of local government. Its offices are at Derby Downs Office Park in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal. The institute runs branches across the country and hosts events that earn professional development points.

Membership is open to individuals and companies. Members receive benefits such as discounts on ECSA fees, conference savings and access to the IMIESA magazine. Through these activities, IMESA helps keep roads, water, sanitation and other municipal services in good working order.

How IMESA supports students

The IMESA Bursary Scheme began in 2000. It helps academically deserving students who are studying civil and related infrastructure engineering at accredited South African institutions. In this way, the institute invests in the next generation of municipal engineers.

The scheme has two categories. Scheme A is for students who are not linked to IMESA, and these applicants must show financial need. Scheme B is for children or dependants of members, and the parent must have held membership for at least five years. Both categories require full-time study towards a civil engineering degree at an institution accredited by ECSA, the Engineering Council of South Africa.

The award pays tuition fees and prescribed books only, up to a maximum of R50 000. Payment goes directly to the university, usually within 60 days of IMESA receiving the student account statement. As a result, the money never passes through the student's own hands.

What to know before applying

Note that this bursary is not for first-year entrants. You must have finished your first year and be moving into your second year or higher in the year the bursary applies. Strong results therefore matter a great deal.

Applicants have been asked to supply certified copies of their ID, their mid-year exam results and an academic progress statement from the institution. An affidavit explaining parental or guardian income and family circumstances has also been required. Missing papers can cost you the opportunity, so check every item twice. Remember too that IMESA is an institute, not an employer, so the bursary mainly supports your education rather than promising a job.

Timing is tight. The call for the 2027 academic year closed on 15 September 2026, and late applications were not considered. Future calls are likely to follow a similar mid-year to September window, but dates can shift. The published criteria do not mention a work-back obligation. However, you should confirm the full terms on the official IMESA website, or by contacting the institute directly, before you apply.